Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our February edition is filled with valuable advocacy resources as well as exciting opportunities and experiences for your family. For more information, please visit our webpage. | |
Advocacy with Adara on Facebook Live Update
Season Two is in full swing! Don't forget to view our archived episodes on Facebook.
New to the series? Each episode offers a friendly 10-15 minute chat on special education or services for children with IDD and their families. Tune in every other Monday during the school year at 12 pm on our Facebook page. No sign-ups needed, just drop by, watch, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments. We look forward to having you join us!
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Panel Discussion with New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy
Network Members
On February 28th at 3 pm please join members of The New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) for a special panel discussion about the NJSSAN council meetings, why it is important to advocate, how to get involved in advocacy, and how to join the network! There will also be a short Q&A session afterwards. This is a wonderful opportunity for emerging and young adults and their families to learn more about self-advocacy Click here to register.
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Alphabet Soup of Special Education
On March 6th at 6:00 pm, join Meredith Brooks from the Association for Special Children to learn more about the association as well as the acronyms associated with special education, transition, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Sign up here.
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Children's Advocacy Virtual Office Hours
Virtual office hours are here to stay! Due to anticipated volume, sessions will be limited to 20 minutes and given on a first come, first served basis to ensure that we can accommodate as many families as possible.
Upcoming Virtual Office Hours :
February 20 & 27th 12-2 pm
March 6, 13, 20th 12-2 pm
Click to sign up
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Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, let's take a look at Black Americans with disabilities from Disability Belongs. This list includes famous people such as Maya Angelou, Halle Berry, and Teren'e Chambers. Additionally, in the News You Can Use section, there are past press releases and a job board for African Americans with disabilities. Read more here.
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FASD and Special Education Survey
Healthy Minds Consulting is gathering information about students who have or may have FASD and their eligibility category under federal and state special education laws (IEPs). They anticipate utilizing this information to better inform educational practices and tailor IEP supports more effectively for individuals with FASD. The information you submit is confidential and not traceable to an individual. This survey is specific to families living in the United States or US Territories. Survey link.
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NJ School Bus Aide Convicted
A New Brunswick woman was convicted by a Somerset County jury following a bus ride in 2023 where a 6 year old child with an IDD died. She was found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child but found not guilty for aggravated manslaughter or reckless manslaughter.
Continue reading here.
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Artrageous 2025 in Union County
Sensory Friendly Theater will be at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) in Rahway on Sunday Feb. 23rd. These performers create inclusive live art, rock music, vocal performances, comedy, and blacklight Bunraku. Don't miss out on the fun! Read more here.
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Challenger's Baseball League
North Vineland Little League has opened registration for the Challenger League. This is open to any child or adult over the age of 5 with an IDD living in Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester, Cape May or Atlantic Counties. For more information, click here or call Joe at (609) 381-0450.
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Wings For All
Here's another great article about the Wings For All/Autism program in Travel Weekly. It highlights how The Arc helps people with disabilities prepare for air travel through real-life practice runs. This article also discusses the changes that Hyatt is making in order to accommodate those with disabilities. Some changes include 3D tours, pre-arrival room check in, and a partnership with Headspace; which offers specialized sleep and meditation support. Continue reading here.
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Teacher Fired After Refusing to Alter Special Education Students Test Scores
Christine Lopez, a former teacher at Mountainside School District, has filed a lawsuit against the district and two administrators, claiming retaliation and age discrimination. Lopez, 60, served as a learning disabilities teacher consultant from 2022 until her dismissal last year. The lawsuit, filed on November 5 in Middlesex County Superior Court, alleges that Lopez was subjected to retaliation after raising concerns about illegal testing policies, including pressure to alter test scores to reduce the number of students classified for special education due to budget cuts. Lopez’s performance evaluations had been positive until she objected to these directives, at which point she received negative evaluations and was ultimately dismissed. The suit also accuses the district of age discrimination, asserting that Lopez was replaced by a younger, less experienced teacher. Mountainside Superintendent Janet Walling responded, stating the allegations are unfounded and that the district trusts the legal process to address the claims. Read more here.
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Summer Camp Sign Ups
Start Now
In 2025, the Children's System of Care (CSOC) will offer Summer Camp Services to eligible youth and young adults under 21, including financial support for tuition and one-to-one aide services. Additionally, CSOC will provide Alternative Recreational Sessions (ARS), allowing youth to engage in shorter, community-based activities with peers. Eligibility based meeting criteria outlined by CSOC. Applications must be received by June 30th, 2025. Read more here.
The Arc of New Jersey's Family Institute has a CSOC Summer Camp Services Guide and a Summer Camp Check List. Check them out!
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Don't Let The Department of Education Disappear
The potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education poses a significant threat to students with disabilities, who could face increased barriers to education. The Department’s oversight is crucial for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees a free, appropriate public education for all students, regardless of disability. Without federal oversight, states may not be held accountable for ensuring these protections are upheld. Read full article here.
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Share Your Voice
Come and be a part of a group discussing experiences with applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for your child. Any parents who have previously applied for their child with IDD are welcome. Zoom meetings start later this month and will run until April. For questions, please contact Jenny Alexander at alexander@thearc.org.
Learn more here.
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Free Access: The Arc@School Curriculum
The Arc@School has a limited number of free accounts for parents and caregivers to access the Special Education Advocacy Curriculum training. This training provides basic information needed to navigate the special education system, including early intervention services, IEPs, 504 Plans, behavioral supports, and more. Request access here.
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How Do You Feel At IEP Meetings?
Healthy Minds Consulting is looking to more deeply understand the emotional impact of the IEP experience on parents and students. If you are a student with an IEP, a parent, caregiver, educational rights holder of a student with an IEP, or a professional who provides educationally related services to students with IEPs, please fill out this survey. Click here to take the survey.
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